U.S. patent number 6,136,609 [Application Number 08/517,387] was granted by the patent office on 2000-10-24 for method of and apparatus for processing high-pressure liquid material.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Kagome Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Takahiro Inakuma, Yukio Ishiguro, Naoji Komeya, Yukio Matsuda, Tetsu Sato, Masami Shibamoto.
United States Patent |
6,136,609 |
Sato , et al. |
October 24, 2000 |
Method of and apparatus for processing high-pressure liquid
material
Abstract
An apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid material has
a high-pressure vessel, a pressurizing assembly for supplying a
liquid material to the high-pressure vessel in order to allow the
high-pressure vessel to process the liquid material under a high
pressure therein, a depressurizing assembly for receiving and
depressurizing the processed liquid material supplied under a high
pressure from the high-pressure vessel, and a working fluid control
system for controlling the depressurizing assembly. The
depressurizing assembly has a plurality of cylinder device
comprising respective pairs of interlinked pistons which define, in
the cylinder devices, respective processing pressure chambers for
selectively receiving the liquid material from the high-pressure
vessel, and respective working pressure chambers for selectively
receiving a working fluid from the working fluid control system.
The working fluid control system brings one of the working pressure
chambers into communication with at least another one of the
working pressure chambers to pass the working fluid therebetween
for causing the cylinder device to successively draw, depressurize,
and discharge the liquid material in respective suction,
depressurization, and discharge modes.
Inventors: |
Sato; Tetsu (Tochigi,
JP), Inakuma; Takahiro (Tochigi, JP),
Ishiguro; Yukio (Tochigi, JP), Komeya; Naoji
(Tokyo, JP), Shibamoto; Masami (Tokyo, JP),
Matsuda; Yukio (Tokyo, JP) |
Assignee: |
Kagome Kabushiki Kaisha (Aicha,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
17911411 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/517,387 |
Filed: |
August 21, 1995 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
|
|
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Nov 14, 1994 [JP] |
|
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6-302639 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
436/180; 422/1;
422/242; 422/39; 422/502; 99/275; 99/453; 99/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L
3/0155 (20130101); Y10T 436/2575 (20150115); Y02P
60/85 (20151101) |
Current International
Class: |
A23L
3/015 (20060101); G01N 001/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;422/242,100,1,39
;99/275,453,467 ;417/92 ;73/863.31,864.61,864.62 ;436/180 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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4-241869 |
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Aug 1992 |
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JP |
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5-317015 |
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Dec 1993 |
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JP |
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6-277266 |
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Oct 1994 |
|
JP |
|
6-277267 |
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Oct 1994 |
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JP |
|
6-327445 |
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Nov 1994 |
|
JP |
|
6-237446 |
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Nov 1994 |
|
JP |
|
6-343433 |
|
Dec 1994 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
Keiichi et al, Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 940 No.
010-JP6277266 Abstract, Oct. 4, 1994. .
Keiichi et al, Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 940 No.
010-JP6277267 Abstract, Oct. 4, 1994..
|
Primary Examiner: Ludlow; Jan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for processing a pressurized liquid material,
comprising:
a vessel having a pressurization chamber;
pressurizing means for supplying a liquid material to said vessel
in order to allow the liquid material to be processed under a
pressure therein to create a processed liquid material;
depressurizing means for receiving and depressurizing the processed
liquid material supplied under pressure from said vessel; and
a working fluid control system for controlling said depressurizing
means;
said depressurizing means having a plurality of cylinder devices
comprising respective pairs of interlinked pistons which define, in
said cylinder devices, respective processing pressure chambers for
selectively receiving the processed liquid material from said
vessel, and respective working pressure chambers for selectively
receiving a working fluid from said working fluid control
system;
said working fluid control system comprising means for bringing one
of said working pressure chambers into communication with at least
another one of the working pressure chambers to pass the working
fluid therebetween for causing said cylinder devices to
successively draw, depressurize, and discharge the processed liquid
material in respective suction, depressurization, and discharge
modes, and said working fluid control system further comprising
means for supplying the working fluid to the working pressure
chamber of one of said cylinder devices before said one of said
cylinder devices begins the suction mode, and such that the
supplied working fluid applies a back pressure to the piston which
defines the processing pressure chamber of said one of said
cylinder devices, the back pressure being created by the working
fluid discharged from said at least another one of the working
pressure chambers of said another one of said cylinder devices
which is operating in the suction mode, the back pressure being
maintained in the working pressure chamber of said one of said
cylinder devices throughout the suction mode of said one of said
cylinder devices.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in one stage of
operation said working fluid control system comprises means for
supplying the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said one of said cylinder devices which is operating in
at least the suction mode to the working pressure chamber of
another one of said cylinder devices which is operating in the
discharge mode.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in another stage of
operation said working fluid control system comprises means for
supplying the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of another one of said cylinder devices which is operating
in said depressurization mode, together with the working fluid
discharged from the working pressure chamber of said one of the
cylinder devices which is operating in said suction mode, to the
working pressure chamber of said other one of said cylinder devices
which is operating in said discharge mode.
4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said cylinder
devices comprises a smaller-diameter cylinder and a larger-diameter
cylinder disposed adjacent to said smaller-diameter cylinder, said
pistons being slidably fitted in said smaller-diameter cylinder and
said larger-diameter cylinder, said piston which defines one of the
processing pressure chambers being smaller in diameter than said
piston which defines one of the working pressure chambers.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said working fluid
control system comprises means for passing the working fluid
discharged from the working pressure chamber of said one of the
cylinder devices which is operating in said suction mode, through a
pressure control valve to depressurize the working fluid, and then
supplying the depressurized working fluid to the working pressure
chamber of said other one of said cylinder devices which is
operating in the discharge mode.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in one stage of
operation said working fluid control system comprises means for
supplying the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said one of said cylinder devices which is operating in
the suction mode to the working pressure chamber of said another
one of said cylinder devices which has completed the discharge mode
to apply a back pressure to said piston which defines the
processing pressure chamber of said another one of said cylinder
devices.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said working fluid
control system comprises means for regulating said back pressure so
as to substantially counterbalance the pressure of said liquid
material when the liquid material is drawn from said vessel in the
suction mode by said another one of the cylinder devices which has
completed the discharge mode.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said working fluid
control system comprises:
a working fluid tank containing the working fluid;
a pump for supplying the working fluid from said working fluid tank
selectively to the working pressure chambers of said cylinder
devices; and
means for supplying the working fluid from said working fluid tank
to the working pressure chamber of said one of said cylinder
devices which is operating in the discharge mode.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said depressurizing
means has first, second, and third cylinder devices, and said
working fluid control system comprises:
a first piping for depressurizing and supplying the working fluid
from the working pressure chamber of the first cylinder device
which is operating in the suction mode to the working pressure
chamber of the second cylinder device which is operating in the
discharge mode;
a second piping for depressurizing and supplying the working fluid
from the working pressure chamber of the third cylinder device
which is operating in the depressurization mode to the working
pressure chamber of the second cylinder device which is operating
in the discharge mode; and
a third piping for supplying the working fluid from the working
pressure chamber of the first cylinder device which is operating in
the suction mode to the working pressure chamber of the second
cylinder device which has completed the discharge mode.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in one stage of
operation said working fluid control system comprises said means
for supplying the working fluid to the working pressure chamber of
said one of said cylinder devices which has completed the discharge
mode, and pressurizing the supplied working fluid to apply back
pressure to the piston which defines the processing pressure
chamber of said one of said cylinder devices.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said depressurizing
means has two cylinder devices, and said working fluid control
system comprises:
a working fluid tank containing the working fluid;
a pump for supplying the working fluid from said working fluid tank
selectively to the working pressure chambers of said cylinder
devices; and
said means for supplying the working pressure chamber of said one
of said cylinder devices which is operating in the discharge mode,
with the working fluid discharged from at least one of the working
pressure chamber of the other of said cylinder devices which is
operating in the suction mode and said pump, completing said
discharge mode of said one of the cylinder devices while said other
of said cylinder devices is operating in the suction mode,
supplying and pressurizing the working pressure chamber of said one
of the cylinder devices with only the working fluid discharged from
the working pressure chamber of the other of said cylinder devices
which is operating in the suction mode, bringing said other of said
cylinder devices into the depressurization mode after said other of
said cylinder devices has completed the suction mode, returning the
working fluid discharged from the working pressure chamber of said
other of said cylinder devices to said working fluid tank, and
starting to operate said one of the cylinder devices in the suction
mode, whereby said depressurizing means can carry out a succession
of suction modes.
12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said depressurizing
means has two cylinder devices, and said working fluid control
system comprises:
a working fluid tank containing the working fluid;
first and second pumps for supplying the working fluid from said
working fluid tank selectively to the working pressure chambers of
said cylinder devices, and
means for supplying the working pressure chamber of one of said
cylinder devices which is operating in the discharge mode, with the
working fluid discharged from at least one of the working pressure
chamber of the other of said cylinder devices which is operating in
the suction mode and the first pump, completing said suction mode
of said other of the cylinder devices while said one of said
cylinder devices is operating in the discharge mode, bringing said
other of said cylinder devices into the depressurization mode,
returning the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said other of said cylinder devices to said working
fluid tank, supplying and pressurizing the working pressure chamber
of said one of the cylinder devices with the working fluid from
said second pump after said one of said cylinder devices has
completed the discharge mode, and bringing said other of the
cylinder devices from the depressurization mode into the discharge
mode, whereby said depressurizing means can carry out a succession
of discharge modes.
13. A method of processing a liquid material, comprising the steps
of:
supplying the liquid material from pressurizing means to a vessel
having a pressurization chamber;
processing the liquid material under pressure in said vessel to
create processed liquid material;
thereafter depressurizing the processed liquid material with
depressurizing means;
said depressurizing means having a plurality of cylinder devices
comprising respective pairs of interlinked pistons which define, in
said cylinder devices, respective processing pressure chambers for
selectively receiving the processed liquid material from said
vessel, and respective working pressure chambers for selectively
receiving a working fluid;
bringing one of said working pressure chambers into communication
with at least another one of the working pressure chambers to pass
the working fluid therebetween for causing said cylinder devices to
successively draw, depressurize, and discharge the liquid material
in respective suction, depressurization, and discharge modes;
and
supplying the working fluid to the working pressure chamber of said
one of said cylinder devices before said one of said cylinder
devices begins the suction mode, and such that the supplied working
fluid applies a back pressure to the piston which defines the
processing pressure chamber of said one of said cylinder devices,
the back pressure being created by the working fluid discharged
from said at least another one of the working pressure chambers of
said another one of said cylinder devices which is operating in the
suction mode, the back pressure being maintained in the working
pressure chamber of said one of said cylinder devices throughout
the suction mode of said one of said cylinder devices.
14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step
of:
supplying the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said one of said cylinder devices which is operating in
at least the suction mode to the working pressure chamber of
another one of said cylinder devices which is operating in the
discharge mode.
15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the step
of:
supplying the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of another one of said cylinder devices which is operating
in said depressurization mode, together with the working fluid
discharged from the working pressure chamber of said one of the
cylinder devices which is operating in said suction mode, to the
working pressure chamber of said other one of said cylinder devices
which is operating in said discharge mode.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein each of said cylinder
devices comprises a smaller-diameter cylinder and a larger-diameter
cylinder disposed adjacent to said smaller-diameter cylinder, said
pistons being slidably fitted in said smaller-diameter cylinder and
said larger-diameter cylinder, said piston which defines one of the
processing pressure chambers being smaller in diameter than said
piston which defines one of the working pressure chambers.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the step
of:
passing the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said one of the cylinder devices which is operating in
said suction mode, through a pressure control valve to depressurize
the working fluid, and then supplying the depressurized working
fluid to the working pressure chamber of said other one of said
cylinder devices which is operating in the discharge mode.
18. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step
of:
supplying the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of one of said cylinder devices which is operating in the
suction mode to the working pressure chamber of another one of said
cylinder devices which has completed the discharge mode to apply a
back pressure to said piston which defines the processing pressure
chamber of said other one of said cylinder devices.
19. A method according to claim 18, further comprising the step
of:
regulating said back pressure so as to substantially counterbalance
the pressure of said liquid material when the liquid material is
drawn from said vessel in the suction mode by said other one of the
cylinder devices which has completed the discharge mode.
20. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step
of:
supplying and pressurizing the working pressure chamber of one of
said cylinder devices which has completed the discharge mode with
the working fluid from a dedicated pump to apply a back pressure to
said piston which
defines the processing pressure chamber of said one of said
cylinder devices.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said depressurizing
means has two cylinder devices, further comprising the steps
of:
providing a working fluid tank containing the working fluid and a
pump for supplying the working fluid from said working fluid tank
selectively to the working pressure chambers of said cylinder
devices;
supplying the working pressure chamber of one of said cylinder
devices which is operating in the discharge mode, with the working
fluid discharged from at least one of the working pressure chamber
of the other of said cylinder devices which is operating in the
suction mode and said pump;
completing said discharge mode of said one of the cylinder devices
while said other of said cylinder devices is operating in the
suction mode;
supplying and pressurizing the working pressure chamber of said one
of the cylinder devices with only the working fluid discharged from
the working pressure chamber of the other of said cylinder devices
which is operating in the suction mode;
bringing said other of said cylinder devices into the
depressurization mode after said other of said cylinder devices has
completed the suction mode;
returning the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said other of said cylinder devices to said working
fluid tank; and
starting to operate said one of the cylinder devices in the suction
mode, whereby said depressurizing means can carry out a succession
of suction modes.
22. A method according to claim 20, wherein said depressurizing
means has two cylinder devices, further comprising the steps
of:
providing a working fluid tank containing the working fluid and
first and second pumps for supplying the working fluid from said
working fluid tank selectively to the working pressure chambers of
said cylinder devices;
supplying the working pressure chamber of one of said cylinder
devices which is operating in the discharge mode, with the working
fluid discharged from at least one of the working pressure chamber
of the other of said cylinder devices which is operating in the
suction mode and the first pump;
completing said suction mode of said other of the cylinder devices
while said one of said cylinder devices is operating in the
discharge mode;
bringing said other of said cylinder devices into the
depressurization mode;
returning the working fluid discharged from the working pressure
chamber of said other of said cylinder devices to said working
fluid tank;
supplying and pressurizing the working pressure chamber of said one
of the cylinder devices with the working fluid from said second
pump after said one of said cylinder devices has completed the
discharge mode; and
bringing said other of the cylinder devices from the
depressurization mode into the discharge mode, whereby said
depressurizing means can carry out a succession of discharge modes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for
processing a high-pressure liquid material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One conventional apparatus for continuously processing a
high-pressure liquid material is disclosed in Japanese laid-open
patent publication No. 4-241869, for example. The disclosed
apparatus has a high-pressure vessel for processing a liquid
material under a high pressure therein, a pressurizing means for
introducing the liquid material into the high-pressure vessel and
pressurizing the liquid material in the high-pressure vessel, and a
depressurizing means for drawing the processed liquid material from
the high-pressure vessel, depressurizing the liquid material, and
discharging the liquid material out of a system. The apparatus is
capable of continuously processing the liquid material under a
predetermined pressure, and depressurizing and discharging the
processed liquid material out of the system.
In the conventional apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid
material, the depressurizing means comprises a pair of coaxially
positioned pressure chambers for receiving the liquid material that
has been processed. The liquid material is drawn into the pressure
chambers (suction mode), depressurized in the pressure chambers
(depressurization mode), and discharged from the pressure chambers
(discharge mode) by a pair of respective plungers actuatable in
synchronism with each other. The plungers are controlled by a
double-acting hydraulic cylinder assembly which has a pair of
working pressure chambers supplied with a working oil from a
hydraulic unit. The depressurizing means is elongate and requires a
large installation space.
The volume of one of the pressure chambers of the depressurizing
means is uniquely determined by the volume of the other pressure
chamber thereof. When the first pressure chamber is in the suction
and depressurization modes, the second pressure chamber is of
necessity in the discharge mode. Accordingly, the depressurizing
means lacks a sufficient degree of freedom of operation.
Specifically, no sufficient flexibility is given to the layout of
the working pressure chambers, the individual volumes thereof, and
the pressure control thereof, and the pressure of the working oil
discharged in the suction and depressurization modes cannot be
utilized as an energy for actuating the pressure chambers in the
discharge mode.
More specifically, the working pressure chambers cannot freely be
supplied with the working oil from the hydraulic unit and cannot
freely discharge the working oil by controlling shutoff valves.
Therefore, it is impossible to adjust any times for which to carry
out the suction mode, the depressurization mode, and the discharge
mode. For example, it is not possible to adjust times for which to
carry out the suction and depressurization modes while the
discharge mode is being continuously carried out for a certain
period of time.
In addition, the working oil from the hydraulic unit is used only
to apply a back pressure after the liquid material has been
introduced under a high pressure for reducing the rate of the
discharge mode or the suction and depressurization modes. Stated
otherwise, inasmuch as no pressurization is effected to apply a
back pressure which would otherwise substantially counterbalance
the high pressure of the liquid material before the suction mode, a
pressure shock is imposed on pipes and various valves upon start of
the suction mode, lowering the durability of these components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
method of and an apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid
material while saving the amount of energy required to operate the
apparatus, the apparatus requiring a reduced space for its
installation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of
and an apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid material
with a plurality of cylinder devices which are arranged such that a
working fluid discharged from any one of the cylinder devices when
it draws or depressurizes the liquid material in its suction or
depressurization mode is effectively utilized to cause another
cylinder devices to discharge the liquid material in a discharge
mode.
According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus
for processing a high-pressure liquid material, comprising a
high-pressure vessel, pressurizing means for supplying a liquid
material to said high-pressure vessel in order to allow the
high-pressure vessel to process the liquid material under a high
pressure therein, depressurizing means for receiving and
depressurizing the processed liquid material supplied under a high
pressure from said high-pressure vessel, and a working fluid
control system for controlling said depressurizing means, said
depressurizing means having a plurality of cylinder devices
comprising respective pairs of interlinked pistons which define, in
said cylinder devices, respective processing pressure chambers for
selectively receiving the liquid material from said high-pressure
vessel, and respective working pressure chambers for selectively
receiving a working fluid from said working fluid control system,
said working fluid control system comprising means for bringing one
of said working pressure chambers into communication with at least
another one of the working pressure chambers to pass the working
fluid therebetween for causing said cylinder device to successively
draw, depressurize, and discharge the liquid material in respective
suction, depressurization, and discharge modes.
The working fluid control system may supply the working fluid
discharged from the working pressure chamber of one of said
cylinder devices which is operating in at least the suction mode to
the working pressure chamber of another one of said cylinder
devices which is operating in the discharge mode.
Alternatively, the working fluid control system may supply the
working fluid discharged from the working pressure chamber of
another one of said cylinder devices which is operating in said
depressurization mode, together with the working fluid discharged
from the working pressure chamber of said one of the cylinder
devices which is operating in said suction mode, to the working
pressure chamber of said other one of said cylinder devices which
is operating in said discharge mode.
With the above arrangement, at least a portion of the working fluid
discharged from the working pressure chamber of one of the cylinder
devices which is operating in said suction mode and the working
pressure chamber of another one of said cylinder devices which is
operating in said depressurization mode is supplied to the working
pressure chamber of another one of said cylinder devices which is
operating in said discharge mode to assist it to perform the
discharge mode.
The working fluid control system may supply the working fluid
discharged from the working pressure chamber of one of said
cylinder devices which is operating in the suction mode to the
working pressure chamber of another one of said cylinder devices
which has completed the discharge mode to apply a back pressure to
said piston which defines the processing pressure chamber of said
other one of said cylinder devices.
The back pressure is applied in a pressurization mode prior to the
suction mode so as to substantially counterbalance the high
pressure of the liquid material supplied from the high-pressure
vessel. Therefore, when said one of the cylinder devices which has
completed the discharge mode starts to draw the liquid material in
the suction mode, no pressure shocks are imposed on pipes and
various valves upon an influx of the liquid material from the
high-pressure vessel into the processing pressure chamber of said
one of the cylinder devices. Therefore, these components are
protected against damage for high durability, and the liquid
material is prevented from flowing unduly rapidly through shutoff
valves.
The working fluid control system may comprise a working fluid tank
containing the working fluid, a pump for supplying the working
fluid from said working fluid tank selectively to the working
pressure chambers of said cylinder devices, and means for supplying
the working fluid from said working fluid tank to the working
pressure chamber of one of said cylinder devices which is operating
in the discharge mode.
By operating the pump and opening and closing shutoff valves
associated therewith, the working fluid can be supplied from the
working fluid tank selectively to the working pressure chamber of
any one of the cylinder devices which operates in the discharge
mode. The cylinder device can reliably operate in the discharge
mode, and the depressurizing means and the working fluid control
system be replenished with the working fluid from the working fluid
tank by the pump. Consequently, an appropriate amount of working
fluid can be maintained in the working fluid control system which
can supply the working fluid selectively to and discharge the
working fluid selectively from the working pressure chambers of the
cylinder devices, for thereby allowing the cylinder devices to
operate constantly and reliably in the suction, depressurization,
and discharge modes.
The depressurizing means may have first, second, and third cylinder
devices, and said working fluid control system may comprise a first
piping for depressurizing and supplying the working fluid from the
working pressure chamber of the first cylinder device which is
operating in the suction mode to the working pressure chamber of
the second cylinder device which is operating in the discharge
mode, a second piping for depressurizing and supplying the working
fluid from the working pressure chamber of the third cylinder
device which is operating in the depressurization mode to the
working pressure chamber of the second cylinder device which is
operating in the discharge mode, and a third piping for supplying
the working fluid from the working pressure chamber of the first
cylinder device which is operating in the suction mode to the
working pressure chamber of the second cylinder device which has
completed the discharge mode.
The pressurization mode may be carried out prior to the suction
mode, using the third piping.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
method, which can be carried out by the apparatus described above,
of processing a high-pressure liquid material, comprising the steps
of supplying a liquid material to a high-pressure vessel from
pressurizing means, processing the liquid material under a high
pressure in said high-pressure vessel, thereafter depressurizing
the liquid material with depressurizing means, said depressurizing
means having a plurality of cylinder devices comprising respective
pairs of interlinked pistons which define, in said cylinder
devices, respective processing pressure chambers for selectively
receiving the liquid material from said high-pressure vessel, and
respective working pressure chambers for selectively receiving a
working fluid, and bringing one of said working pressure chambers
into communication with at least another one of the working
pressure chambers to pass the working fluid therebetween for
causing said cylinder device to successively draw, depressurize,
and discharge the liquid material in respective suction,
depressurization, and discharge modes.
The above and further objects, details and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments thereof, when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of an apparatus for
processing a high-pressure liquid material according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a first stage of
operation of a central portion of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a second stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
first stage of operation shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a third stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
second stage of operation shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a fourth stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
third stage of operation shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a modification of a
working fluid control system in the central portion of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of another modification of
the working fluid control system in the central portion of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a first stage of
operation of a central portion of an apparatus for processing a
high-pressure liquid material according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a second stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
first stage of operation shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a third stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
second stage of operation shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a fourth stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
third stage of operation shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a first stage of
operation of a central portion of an apparatus for processing a
high-pressure liquid material according to a third embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a second stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
first stage of operation shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a third stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
second stage of operation shown in FIG. 13; and
FIG. 15 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a fourth stage of
operation of the central portion of the apparatus, following the
third stage of operation shown in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 through 5 show an apparatus for processing a high-pressure
liquid material according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus has a high-pressure vessel 1 with
a pressurization chamber defined therein. The high-pressure vessel
1 is connected at one end thereof to a pressurizing means 2 in the
form of a pump through a pipe 50. The pressurizing means 2 has a
larger-diameter double-acting cylinder 2a and a pair of
smaller-diameter cylinders 2b, 2c connected to respective opposite
ends of the larger-diameter cylinder 2a. A larger-diameter piston
2d is slidably fitted in the larger-diameter cylinder 2a, and a
pair of smaller-diameter pistons 2e, 2f is slidably fitted in the
respective smaller-diameter cylinders 2b, 2c. The pistons 2d, 2e,
2f are coaxially connected to each other by a single piston rod 2g.
The larger-diameter piston 2d divides the larger-diameter cylinder
2a into second pressure chambers 2j, 2k. The smaller-diameter
cylinders 2b, 2c have respective air vent holes 2h, 2i defined in
rod-end portions thereof. The smaller-diameter cylinders 2b, 2c
have respective first pressure chambers 2m, 2n defined in cap-end
portions thereof which are connected to the pipe 50 through
respective check valves 51, 52 which permit a liquid flow from the
pressurizing means 2 to the high-pressure vessel 1.
A liquid material tank 4 contains a liquid material X to be
processed, such as a flowable food material, a flowable
pharmaceutical material, or the like. When a pump 53 connected to
the liquid material tank 4 operates, the liquid material X
contained in the liquid material tank 4 flows into a pipe 54 and is
then drawn into one of the first pressure chambers 2m, 2n. The
first pressure chambers 2m, 2n are connected to the liquid material
tank 4 through respective check valves 55, 56 which permit a liquid
flow from the liquid material tank 4 to the pressurizing means 2. A
relief valve 57 is connected to the pipe 54 for limiting a maximum
pressure in the pipe 54.
When working oil is supplied under high pressure from an actuating
hydraulic unit 3 to one of the second pressure chambers 2j, 2k
while working oil is being discharged from the other of the second
pressure chambers 2j, 2k, the liquid material X is supplied from
the liquid material tank 4 to one of the first pressure chambers
2m, 2n through the corresponding one of the check valves 55, 56.
Then, when the working oil is supplied under high pressure from the
actuating hydraulic unit 3 to the other of the second pressure
chambers 2j, 2k, the liquid material X is discharged from one of
the first pressure chambers 2m, 2n through the corresponding one of
the check valves 51, 52 and the pipe 50 into the pressurization
chamber in the high-pressure vessel 1. The high-pressure vessel 1
processes the supplied liquid material X under a high pressure in
the pressurization chamber. The high-pressure vessel 1 can be
supplied with successive amounts of liquid material X in timed
relation to suction modes of respective depressurizing devices A,
B, C (described below).
The other end of the high-pressure vessel 1 is connected through a
pipe 58 to a depressurizing means 10 which comprises three
independently operable depressurizing devices A, B, C connected
parallel to each other. The depressurizing devices A, B, C comprise
respective pressure intensifiers each in the form of a cylinder
assembly having a larger-diameter cylinder 21 and a
smaller-diameter cylinder 22 connected to one end of the
larger-diameter cylinder 21. The depressurizing devices A, B, C
have respective larger-diameter pistons 23 slidably fitted in the
respective larger-diameter cylinders 21 and respective
smaller-diameter pistons 24 slidably fitted in the respective
smaller-diameter cylinders 22. The larger-diameter pistons 23 and
the smaller-diameter pistons 24 are coaxially connected to each
other by respective piston rods 25. The larger-diameter pistons 23
define respective third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 in cap-end
portions of the respective larger-diameter cylinders 21, the third
pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 serving as working pressure chambers.
The smaller-diameter pistons 24 define respective fourth pressure
chambers A2, B2, C2 in cap-end portions of the respective
smaller-diameter cylinders 22, the fourth pressure chambers A2, B2,
C2 serving as pressure chambers for processing the liquid material
X. The smaller-diameter cylinders 22 have respective air vent holes
22a defined in rod-end portions thereof.
The larger-diameter cylinders 21 have respective discharge-position
limit
switches SA for detecting when the larger-diameter pistons 23 have
reached a predetermined advanced position, i.e., a left end
position in FIG. 1, respective suction-position limit switches SC
for detecting when the larger-diameter pistons 23 have reached a
predetermined retracted position, i.e., a right position in FIG. 1,
and respective depressurization-position limit switches SD for
detecting when the larger-diameter pistons 23 have reached a most
retracted position, i.e., a right end position in FIG. 1. The
depressurization-position limit switches SD may be dispensed with,
and pressure detectors may be connected to pipes joined to the
larger-diameter cylinders 21 for detecting the completion of a
depressurization mode for depressurizing the liquid material X
based on a detected pressure.
In the advanced position reached by the larger-diameter pistons 23,
a discharge mode for discharging the liquid material X is finished,
and the larger-diameter pistons 23 have been advanced, leaving a
pressurizable space in the larger-diameter cylinders 21. In the
retracted position reached by the larger-diameter pistons 23, the
liquid material X compressed under a high pressure which has been
drawn into the respective fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 is
depressurized substantially to the atmospheric pressure and
expanded in volume, permitting the larger-diameter pistons 23 to be
retracted further to the right in FIG. 1. Specifically, when the
larger-diameter pistons 23 have been retracted about 80 to 90% of
their retractable distance in a suction mode for drawing the liquid
material X, the suction-position limit switches SC are turned on.
The depressurizing devices A, B, C finish the suction mode when the
liquid material X compressed under a high pressure which has been
drawn into the respective fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 is
depressurized substantially to the atmospheric pressure, so that
the liquid material X is allowed to expand in volume. The
depressurization-position limit switches SD detect the respective
larger-diameter pistons 23 when the liquid material X has been
depressurized substantially to the atmospheric pressure. Each of
the limit switches SA, SC, SD may comprise an analog position
detector.
The pipe 58 connected to the other end of the high-pressure vessel
1 is branched into three branch pipes 58a, 58b, 58c which are
connected through respective shutoff valves 11a, 11b, 11c to the
respective fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 of the
depressurizing devices A, B, C. Pipes 27a, 27b, 27c are branched
from the respective branch pipes 58a, 58b, 58c at positions between
the shutoff valves 11a, 11b, 11c and the fourth pressure chambers
A2, B2, C2, and connected through respective shutoff valves 12a,
12b, 12c to a single pipe 27 that is connected to a product tank 6
for containing a product. The shutoff valves 11a, 11b, 11c and the
shutoff valves 12a, 12b, 12c are automatically controlled so as to
be selectively opened and closed by a controller (not shown). Under
the control of the controller, the shutoff valves 11a, 11b, 11c and
the shutoff valves 12a, 12b, 12c are selectively opened and closed
to connect the single high-pressure vessel 1 selectively to the
fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 and also connect the product
tank 6 selectively to the fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2.
The third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 of the respective
depressurizing devices A, B, C are connected to a working fluid
control system 7 which can bring any one of the third pressure
chambers A1, B1, C1 into communication with one or two of the other
third pressure chambers for passing a working fluid, typically
working oil under a relatively low pressure, thereto. The working
fluid control system 7 serves to enable the depressurizing devices
A, B, C to successively carry out the suction, depressurization,
and discharge modes for drawing, depressurizing, and discharging
the liquid material X. The working fluid control system 7 comprises
a plurality of shutoff valves 41a, 41b, 41c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 43a,
43b, 43c, a variable restrictor 44, a pressure control valve PV,
and a relief valve 45 which are connected as shown in FIG. 1. The
pressure control valve PV comprises a pressure-reducing valve whose
pressure setting can be controlled by a pressure controller PC
based on an upstream pressure that is detected by a pressure
transfer unit PT. To the working fluid control system 7, there are
connected a pump 30 and a working fluid tank 9 through a relief
valve 46 and a pressure control valve 47. When the working fluid
leaks out, the pump 30 is actuated to supplement a working from the
working fluid tank 9 to the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1.
The working fluid control system 7 has a first piping for supplying
the working fluid from one of the third pressure chambers A1, B1,
C1 of the respective depressurizing devices A, B, C which carries
out the suction mode for drawing the liquid material X, after the
working fluid has been depressurized by the pressure control valve
PV, to another one of the third pressure chambers B1, C1, A1 of the
respective depressurizing devices B, C, A which carries out the
discharge mode for discharging the liquid material X, a second
piping for supplying the working fluid from one of the third
pressure chambers C1, A1, B1 of the respective depressurizing
devices C, A, B which carries out the depressurization mode for
depressurizing the liquid material X, after the working fluid has
been depressurized by the restrictor 44, to another one of the
third pressure chambers B1, C1, A1 of the respective depressurizing
devices B, C, A which carries out the discharge mode for
discharging the liquid material X, and a third piping for supplying
the working fluid from one of the third pressure chambers A1, B1,
C1 of the respective depressurizing devices A, B, C which carries
out the suction mode for drawing the liquid material X, without
passage through the pressure control valve PV and the restrictor
44, directly to another one of the third pressure chambers B1, C1,
A1 of the respective depressurizing devices B, C, A which has
completed the discharge mode.
Specifically, to connect any one of the third pressure chambers A1,
B1, C1 to the other two of the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1,
the shutoff valves 42a, 41b, 43c, for example, which are shown
blank in FIG. 1, are opened to supply the working fluid from the
third pressure chamber A1 through the shutoff valve 42a, the
pressure control valve PV, and the shutoff valve 41b to the third
pressure chamber B1, and also to supply the working fluid from the
third pressure chamber C1 through the shutoff valve 43c, the
restrictor 44, and the shutoff valve 41b to the third pressure
chamber B1. In this case, the liquid material X is drawn into the
fourth pressure chamber A2, the liquid material X is discharged
from the fourth pressure chamber B2 into the product tank 6, and
the liquid material X in the fourth pressure chamber C2 is
depressurized. The shutoff valves 42a, 42b, for example, which are
shown blank in FIG. 4, are opened to supply the working fluid from
the third pressure chamber A1 directly to the third pressure
chamber B1 which has completed the discharge mode. In this case,
the liquid material X in the fourth pressure chamber B2 is
pressurized.
In the event of an abnormal pressure buildup of the working fluid
in the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 of the depressurizing
devices A, B, C in the suction mode, the working fluid is drained
through the relief valve 45 to the working fluid tank 9. In the
event of an abnormal pressure buildup of the working fluid supplied
from the pump 30 through the pressure control valve 47 to the third
pressure chambers A1, B1, C1, the working fluid is drained through
the relief valve 46 to the working fluid tank 9. When the pump 30
is actuated, the working fluid from the working fluid tank 9 can be
supplemented through the pressure control valve 47 to the working
fluid control system 7. Specifically, the working fluid is
supplemented to the third pressure chambers B1, C1, A1 of the
depressurizing devices B, C, A in the discharge mode by opening the
shutoff valves 41a, 41b, 41c. To this end, the larger-diameter
cylinders 21 may have respective intermediate-position limit
switches SB for detecting when the larger-diameter pistons 23 are
in an intermediate position in the larger-diameter cylinders
21.
As described above, the depressurizing devices A, B, C comprise
respective pressure intensifiers with the third pressure chambers
A1, B1, C1 defined in the larger-diameter cylinder 21 by the
larger-diameter pistons 23 and with the fourth pressure chambers
A2, B2, C2 defined in the smaller-diameter cylinders 22 by the
smaller-diameter pistons 24. This arrangement allows the working
fluid, typically working oil under a relatively low pressure, to
process the liquid material X which is of a pressure several times
to several tens of times the pressure of the working fluid.
Operation of the apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid
material according to the first embodiment of the present invention
will be described below.
It is assumed that the depressurizing devices A, B, C are initially
in a first stage of operation as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the
fourth pressure chamber A2 of the depressurizing device A starts
the suction mode, and the fourth pressure chamber B2 of the
depressurizing device B is carrying out the discharge mode after
having been filled up with and depressurized the liquid material X.
The fourth pressure chamber C2 of the depressurizing device C
starts the depressurization mode after having been filled up with
the liquid material X. The suction mode is a mode for drawing the
liquid material X that has been pressurized to a certain pressure
in the high-pressure vessel 1 into the fourth pressure chambers A2,
B2, C2. The discharge mode is a mode for discharging the liquid
material X that has been depressurized substantially to the
atmospheric pressure from the fourth pressure chambers B2, C2, A2
to the product tank 6. The depressurization mode is a mode for
depressurizing the liquid material X that has been drawn under
pressure into the fourth pressure chambers C2, A2, B2 substantially
to the atmospheric pressure. The pressurizing means 2 (see FIG. 1)
supplies the liquid material X in successive amounts to the
high-pressure vessel 1 in timed relation to suction modes carried
out by the depressurizing devices A, B, C.
Specifically, the shutoff valves 11a, 12b, 42a, 41b, 43c, shown
blank in FIG. 2, are opened. The depressurizing device A in the
suction mode starts to receive the liquid material X from the
high-pressure vessel 1 through the shutoff valve 11a into the
fourth pressure chamber A2 while retracting the pistons 23, 24,
i.e., moving them to the right in FIG. 2. At this time, the working
fluid in the third pressure chamber A1 flows through the shutoff
valve 42a and the pressure control valve PV as indicated by the
arrow I in FIG. 2, during which time the working fluid is
depressurized, and then the working fluid is supplied through the
shutoff valve 41b into the third pressure chamber B1 of the
depressurizing device B which is in the discharge mode. The pistons
23, 24 of the depressurizing device B are advanced, i.e., displaced
to the left in FIG. 2, for thereby discharging the liquid material
X which has been depressurized substantially to the atmospheric
pressure from the fourth pressure chamber B2 through the shutoff
valve 12b into the product tank 6. Those shutoff valves which are
shown solid in FIG. 2 are closed.
In the depressurizing device C which is in the depressurization
mode, the liquid material X in the fourth pressure chamber C2 is
expanded in volume and depressurized, retracting or moving the
pistons 23, 24 to the right thereby to reduce the volume of the
third pressure chamber C1. As the third pressure chamber C1 is
contracted, the working fluid flows from the third pressure chamber
C1 through the shutoff valve 43c, the restrictor 44, and the
shutoff valve 41b as indicated by the arrow II into the third
pressure chamber B1 of the depressurizing device B which is
operating in the discharge mode. In this manner, the discharge mode
is carried out by the depressurizing device B while being supplied
with the working fluid from the third pressure chamber A1 of the
depressurizing device A and the third pressure chamber C1 of the
depressurizing device C.
FIG. 3 shows a second stage of operation which follows the first
stage of operation shown in FIG. 2. In the second stage of
operation shown in FIG. 3, the discharge mode of the depressurizing
device B and the depressurization mode of the depressurizing device
C are completed. At this time, the larger-diameter piston 23 of the
depressurizing device B is detected by the discharge-position limit
switch SA, and the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing
device C is detected by the depressurization-position limit switch
SD. Based on signals from these limit switches SA, SD, the shutoff
valves 12b, 41b, 43c are closed, and the shutoff valves 12c, 41c
are opened, switching the depressurizing device C into the
discharge mode. The depressurizing device A continuously carries
out the suction mode, forcing the working fluid from the third
pressure chamber A1 thereof through the shutoff valve 42a and the
pressure control valve PV as indicated by the arrow III in FIG. 2,
during which time the working fluid is depressurized, and then the
working fluid is supplied through the shutoff valve 41c into the
third pressure chamber C1 of the depressurizing device C which is
now in the discharge mode. The liquid material X in the fourth
pressure chamber C2, which has been depressurized in the
depressurization mode, starts being discharged from the fourth
pressure chamber C2 through the shutoff valve 12c into the product
tank 6. If the depressurization mode of the depressurizing device C
is completed prior to the completion of the discharge mode of the
depressurizing device B, then the completion of the
depressurization mode is detected by the depressurization-position
limit switch SD, which then closes the shutoff valve 43c.
FIG. 4 shows a third stage of operation which follows the second
stage of operation shown in FIG. 3. In the third stage of operation
shown in FIG. 4, the shutoff valve 42b is opened to introduce the
working fluid discharged from the third pressure chamber A1 through
the shutoff valves 42a, 42b into the third pressure chamber B1 as
indicated by the arrow IV while the working fluid is being
maintained under substantially the same pressure. The working fluid
thus supplied to the third pressure chamber B1 pressurizes the
third pressure chamber B1 and also the fourth pressure chamber B2,
imposing a back pressure on the pistons 23, 24 of the
depressurizing device B to place the depressurizing device B into
readiness for the suction mode, i.e., to operate the depressurizing
device B in a pressurization mode. Since the back pressure applied
in this pressurization mode is produced by the working fluid that
is discharged from the third pressure chamber A1 and supplied
directly to the third pressure chamber B1 without passage through
the pressure control valve PV, the back pressure substantially
counterbalances the high pressure of the liquid material X from the
high-pressure vessel 1. The end of the pressurization mode may be
detected by pressure detectors connected to the pipes connected to
the larger-diameter cylinders 21 when the pressure detectors detect
a predetermined pressure buildup therein.
Upon detection by the suction-position limit switch SC of the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device A, the
apparatus enters a fourth stage of operation shown in FIG. 5 which
follows the third stage of operation shown in FIG. 4. In the fourth
stage of operation shown in FIG. 5, the shutoff valves 11a, 42a are
closed, and the shutoff valve 11b is opened. The depressurizing
device A ends the suction mode, the depressurizing device B starts
the suction mode with the shutoff valve 42b open, and the
depressurizing device C continues the discharge mode. Since the
back pressure which substantially counterbalances the high pressure
of the liquid material X from the high-pressure vessel 1 has been
applied to the pistons 23, 24 of the depressurizing device B in the
pressurization mode prior to the suction mode, the pistons 23, 24
are substantially free of any appreciable differential pressures
thereacross when the shutoff valve lib is opened to start the
suction mode of the depressurizing device B. Consequently, the
valve seat of the shutoff valve 11b is prevented from being
damaged. When the high-pressure liquid material X then flows from
the high-pressure vessel 1 into the fourth pressure chamber B2, no
undue pressure shock is applied to the pressure control valve PV,
the shutoff valves 42a, 42c, and the associated pipes, and hence
the durability of these components is not lowered. The working
fluid flowing out of the third pressure chamber B1 is supplied
through the shutoff valve 42b, the pressure control valve PV, and
the shutoff valve 41c into the third pressure chamber C1 as
indicated by the arrow V in FIG. 5.
Now, the depressurizing device B starts the suction mode with its
fourth pressure chamber B2, the depressurizing device C carries out
the discharge mode with its fourth pressure chamber C2, and the
depressurizing device A
starts the depressurization mode as the liquid material X has been
drawn and filled in the fourth pressure chamber A2. Thereafter,
substantially the same operation as described above is repeated by
the depressurizing device B which operates in the same manner as
the depressurizing device A described above, the depressurizing
device C which operates in the same manner as the depressurizing
device B described above, and the depressurizing device A which
operates in the same manner as the depressurizing device C
described above. When the above operation is repeated three times,
one cycle of operation is finished. The various modes are carried
out simply by the working fluid which moves between the third
pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 of the depressurizing devices A, B, C
while effectively utilizing the pressure of the liquid material X
acting in the suction and depressurization modes as forces to
actuate the depressurizing devices A, B, C.
If the working fluid leaks in a small quantity from the working
fluid control system 7 or the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1
and hence is reduced in amount, then the pump 30 is actuated to
supplement the working fluid from the working fluid tank 9 through
the pressure control valve 47 into the working fluid control system
7. A leakage of the working fluid is recognized when the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device B passes
undetected by the intermediate-position limit switch SB in the
first stage of operation shown in FIG. 2. Even when the working
fluid leaks out, only the larger-diameter pistons 23 move to the
right, and such a leakage poses no problem if the depressurization
mode suffers no failure. Therefore, the working fluid may be
supplemented to make up for a leakage at suitable times, but not at
frequent intervals.
In the above embodiment, when the fourth pressure chamber A2 of the
depressurizing device A starts the suction mode and the fourth
pressure chamber C2 of the depressurizing device C starts the
depressurization mode, the depressurizing device B has already
carried out the discharge mode. The time required for the
depressurizing device C to effect the depressurization mode can be
adjusted, i.e., increased or reduced, by adjusting the rate at
which the discharge mode is in progress. A longest time can be
given to the depressurization mode when the suction mode, the
discharge mode, and the depressurization mode are started
simultaneously, and the longest time required for the
depressurization mode is the same as the time required for the
discharge mode. The longest time required for the depressurization
mode is preferably determined as an appropriate and sufficient time
depending on the type of the liquid material X, so as to allow the
depressurization mode to be conducted slowly to keep a desired
level of operation efficiency for the suction mode, the discharge
mode, and the depressurization mode and also to effectively
sterilize the liquid material X under a high pressure while
controlling changes in the properties and flavor of the liquid
material X. The time required for the depressurization mode is
adjusted by adjusting the variable restrictor 44 for varying the
rate of flow therethrough. The time required for the discharge mode
may be adjusted by carrying out the depressurization mode
synchronously with the suction mode or carrying out the
depressurization mode after the suction mode is finished.
FIG. 6 shows a modification of the working fluid control system 7
connected to the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 of the
depressurizing devices A, B, C. Those parts shown in FIG. 6 which
are identical to those parts shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 are denoted
by identical reference numerals. However, the relief valves 45, 46
as safety valves are omitted from illustration. As shown in FIG. 6,
a pressure control valve 47a is connected between the working fluid
tank 9 and a low-pressure side of the working fluid control system
7, i.e., a side of the working fluid control system 7 which is
lower in pressure than the pressure control valve PV. The pressure
control valve 47a is capable of maintaining a lower pressure in the
working fluid control system 7. In the modification shown in FIG.
6, variable restrictors 44a, 44b, 44c are connected respectively to
the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 in series with the shutoff
valves 43a, 43b, 43c, respectively. The pipe 27 has a
pressure-reducing valve 34 for imparting a slight pressure to the
liquid material X in the fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 to
minimize any shock-induced movement of the pistons 23, 24 at the
time the liquid material X is discharged from the fourth pressure
chambers A2, B2, C2.
The working fluid control system 7 shown in FIG. 6 has a first
piping for supplying the working fluid from the third pressure
chamber A1 (B1, C1) of the depressurizing device A (B, C) which
carries out the suction mode for drawing the liquid material X,
after the working fluid has been depressurized by the pressure
control valve PV, to the third pressure chamber B1 (C1, A1) of the
depressurizing device B (C, A) which carries out the discharge mode
for discharging the liquid material X, a second piping for
supplying the working fluid from the third pressure chamber C1 (A1,
B1) of the depressurizing device C (A, B) which carries out the
depressurization mode for depressurizing the liquid material X,
after the working fluid has been depressurized by the restrictor
44c (44a, 44b), to the third pressure chamber B1 (C1, A1) of the
depressurizing device B (C, A) which carries out the discharge mode
for discharging the liquid material X, and a third piping for
supplying the working fluid from the third pressure chamber A1 (B1,
C1) of the depressurizing device A (B, C) which carries out the
suction mode for drawing the liquid material X, without passage
through the pressure control valve PV and the restrictor 44a (44b,
44c), directly, as indicated by the arrow X, to the third pressure
chamber B1 (C1, A1) of the depressurizing device B (C, A) which has
completed the discharge mode. The working fluid in the third
pressure chamber A1 (B1, C1) of the depressurizing device A (B, C)
which carries out the suction mode may be withdrawn through the
pressure control valve 47a into the working fluid tank 9.
The first piping specifically supplies the working fluid from the
third pressure chamber A1 (B1, C1) of the depressurizing device A
(B, C) which carries out the suction mode, after the working fluid
has been depressurized by the shutoff valve 42a (42b, 42c) and the
pressure control valve PV, to the third pressure chamber B1 (C1,
A1) of the depressurizing device B (C, A) which carries out the
discharge mode, through the shutoff valve 41b (41c, 41a). The
second pipe specifically supplies the working fluid from the third
pressure chamber C1 (A1, B1) the depressurizing device C (A, B)
which carries out the depressurization mode, after the working
fluid has been depressurized by the restrictor 44c (44a, 44b) and
the shutoff valve 43c (43a, 43b), to the third pressure chamber B1
(C1, A1) of the depressurizing device B (C, A) which carries out
the discharge mode, through the shutoff valve 41b (41c, 41a). The
third pipe specifically supplies the working fluid from the third
pressure chamber A1 (B1, C1) of the depressurizing device A (B, C)
which carries out the suction mode, without passage through the
pressure control valve PV and the restrictor 44a (44b, 44c),
directly to the third pressure chamber B1 (C1, A1) of the
depressurizing device B (C, A) which has completed the discharge
mode, through the shutoff valve 42b (42c, 42a).
FIG. 7 shows another modification of the working fluid control
system 7 connected to the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 of the
depressurizing devices A, B, C. Those parts shown in FIG. 7 which
are identical to those parts shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 are denoted
by identical reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 7, when a pump 32
is actuated, the working fluid in the working fluid tank 9 can be
supplied under a given pressure to the third pressure chambers A1,
B1, C1 through a flow control valve FV1 and the shutoff valves 41a,
41b, 41c. When the pump 32 is actuated, the flow control valve FV1
supplies the working fluid through the shutoff valves 41a, 41b, 41c
to the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 at a predetermined rate
under a relatively low secondary pressure (downstream pressure) so
that the liquid material X can be discharged from the fourth
pressure chambers A2, B2, C2.
In the discharge mode of any one of the depressurizing devices A,
B, C, a pressure control valve PV1 controls the working fluid
supplied from the working fluid tank 9 by the pump 32 to flow
through the flow control valve FV1 under a constant pressure, and
returns the working fluid back to the working fluid tank 9 if the
pressure of the working fluid exceeds a certain pressure level.
When the fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 draws the liquid
material X in the suction mode, the pressure control valve PV
depressurizes the working fluid discharged from the third pressure
chambers A1, B1, C1 through the shutoff valves 42a, 42b, 42c, and
returns the depressurized working fluid through the pressure
control valve PV1 back to the working fluid tank 9.
When the fourth pressure chambers A2, B2, C2 depressurize the
liquid material X in the depressurization mode, the restrictor 44
gives a suitable resistance to the working fluid flowing out of the
third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1. The working fluid that has
passed through the restrictor 44 returns through the pressure
control valve PV1 back to the working fluid tank 9.
The intermediate-position limit switches SB serve to detect when
the larger-diameter pistons 23 of the depressurizing devices A, B,
C have reached the intermediate position in the larger-diameter
cylinders 21. The intermediate-position limit switches SB are
positioned such that the larger-diameter piston 23 of the
depressurizing device A, for example, is detected by the
corresponding intermediate-position limit switch SB when the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device C is in the
most retracted position, turning on the corresponding
depressurization-position limit switch SD (or the pressure detector
connected to the pipe connected to the larger-diameter cylinder
21), and also when the larger-diameter piston 23 of the
depressurizing device B turns on the discharge-position limit
switch SA. The pressure controller PC controls the pressure setting
for the pressure control valve PV1 based on the detected pressure,
and a flow controller FC controls the flow rate setting for the
flow control valve FV1 based on the detected flow rate.
When the liquid material X is drawn by the depressurizing device A
in the suction mode, the working fluid from the third pressure
chamber A1 returns through the shutoff valve 42a, the pressure
control valve PV, and the pressure control valve PV1 back to the
working fluid tank 9 as indicated by the arrow VI in FIG. 7. When
the liquid material X is depressurized by the depressurizing device
C in the depressurization mode, the working fluid from the third
pressure chamber C1 returns through the shutoff valve 43c, the
restrictor 44, and the pressure control valve PV1 back to the
working fluid tank 9 as indicated by the arrow VIII in FIG. 7. At
this time, the shutoff valves 41a, 41b, 41c, 42b, 42c, 43a, 43b
remain closed. The third pressure chamber B1 of the depressurizing
device B which effects the discharge mode is supplied with the
working fluid from the working fluid tank 9 through the flow
control valve FV1 and the shutoff valve 41b when the pump 32 is
actuated.
The modified working fluid control system 7 shown in FIG. 7 differs
from the working fluid control system 7 shown in FIG. 3 with
respect to the stage of operation shown in FIG. 3 in that the third
pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 and the fourth pressure chambers A2,
B2, C2 of the depressurizing devices A, B, C are shifted from the
modes shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 to the mode shown in FIG. 3.
Specifically, when the completion of the discharge mode of the
depressurizing device B is detected by the corresponding
discharge-position limit switch SA, the shutoff valves 12b, 41b are
closed, but the discharge mode of the depressurizing device C is
not started. When the depressurization mode of the depressurizing
device C is finished, the shutoff valve 43c is closed to keep the
third pressure chamber C1 thereof as it is.
Thereafter, the working fluid discharged from the third pressure
chamber A1 returns through the shutoff valve 42a, the pressure
control valve PV, and the pressure control valve PV1 back to the
working fluid tank 9 as indicated by the arrow VI in FIG. 7.
However, the third pressure chamber B1 of the depressurizing device
B may be pressurized in preparation for the next mode of operation
by opening the shutoff valve 42b to supply the working fluid as
indicated by the arrow VII in FIG. 7 to the third pressure chamber
B1 when the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device
B is detected by the discharge-position limit switch SA. The end of
the pressurization mode may be detected by pressure detectors
connected to the pipes connected to the larger-diameter cylinders
21 when the pressure detectors detect a predetermined pressure
buildup therein.
The discharge mode of the depressurizing device C is started when
the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device A has
reached the predetermined intermediate position in the
larger-diameter cylinder 21 as detected by the
intermediate-position limit switch SB. When the larger-diameter
piston 23 of the depressurizing device A has reached the
predetermined intermediate position, the third pressure chambers
A1, B1, C1 of the depressurizing devices A, B, C are in the same
stage of operation as the third stage of operation shown in FIG. 4.
Subsequently, the apparatus operates in the same stage of operation
as the fourth stage of operation shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the
working fluid flowing from the third pressure chamber B1 of the
depressurizing device B through the shutoff valve 42b returns
through the pressure control valve PV and the pressure control
valve PV1 back to the working fluid tank 9. The discharge mode of
the depressurizing device C is carried out when the shutoff valve
41c opened and the working fluid in the working fluid tank 9 is
supplied through the flow control valve FV1 and the shutoff valve
41c to the third pressure chamber C1 by the pump 32. In this
manner, the total volume of the third pressure chambers A1, B1, C1
is maintained at a constant level in each suction mode.
When the liquid material X is drawn in the suction mode by the
depressurizing devices A, B, C, the working fluid from the third
pressure chambers A1, B1, C1 returns through the shutoff valves
42a, 42b, 42c and the pressure control valves PV, PV1 back to the
working fluid tank 9. However, until the intermediate-position
limit switches SB detect when the larger-diameter pistons 23 of the
depressurizing devices A, C, C have reached the intermediate
position, the shutoff valves 41b, 41c, 41a may be opened suitably
to supply the working fluid tending to flow back to the working
fluid tank 9 to the third pressure chambers B1, C1, A1 for
effecting the discharge mode.
When the liquid material X is depressurized in the depressurization
mode by the depressurizing devices C, A, B, the working fluid from
the third pressure chambers C1, A1, B1 returns through the shutoff
valves 43c, 43a, 43b, the restrictor 44, and the pressure control
valve PV1 back to the working fluid tank 9. At this time, the
shutoff valves 41a, 41b, 41c may be opened suitably to supply part
or all of the working fluid tending to flow back to the working
fluid tank 9 to the third pressure chambers B1, C1, A1 for
effecting the discharge mode. If at least of the working fluid
discharged in the suction mode or the depressurization mode is thus
utilized for the discharge mode, then the burden on the pump 32 can
be lessened as much as the amount of working fluid utilized for the
discharge mode.
FIGS. 8 through 11 show a central portion of an apparatus for
processing a high-pressure liquid material according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. Those parts shown in FIGS. 8
through 11 which are identical to those parts shown in FIGS. 1
through 5 are denoted by identical reference numerals, and will not
be described in detail below. In the second embodiment, the
depressurizing means 10 comprises two depressurizing devices B, C,
the working fluid control system 7 is identical to a portion of the
working fluid control system 7 shown in FIG. 6, and the
depressurizing device A and the shutoff valves 11a, 12a, 41a, 42a,
43a associated therewith are dispensed with. The pump 30 is
actuated at all times to apply a constant pressure to a
low-pressure side of the working fluid control system 7, i.e., a
side of the working fluid control system 7 which is lower in
pressure than the pressure control valve PV, to supply the working
oil under a low pressure at a constant rate to the pressurizing
devices B, C in the discharge mode. The apparatus according to the
second embodiment resides particularly in that the depressurizing
means 10 comprises two depressurizing devices B, C for carrying
out
suction modes successively.
The suction modes are carried out successively by the apparatus
according to the second embodiment as follows:
It is assumed that in a first stage of operation shown in FIG. 8,
the fourth pressure chamber B2 of the depressurizing device B has
finished the discharge and pressurization modes and is about to
start the suction mode, and the fourth pressure chamber C2 of the
depressurizing device C has finished the suction mode and is about
to start the pressurization mode. Only the shutoff valves 11b, 42b,
43c, shown blank in FIG. 8, are opened, and the depressurizing
device B in the suction mode starts receiving the liquid material X
from the high-pressure vessel 1 into the fourth pressure chamber B2
while retracting its pistons 23, 24. At this time, the working
fluid in the third pressure chamber B1 is depressurized by flowing
through the shutoff valve 42b and the pressure control valves PV,
47a as indicated by the arrow XI in FIG. 8, and returns to the
working fluid tank 9. In the depressurizing device C which operates
in the depressurization mode, the high-pressure liquid material X
in the fourth pressure chamber C2 is expanded in volume and
depressurized, contracting the third pressure chamber C1. As the
third pressure chamber C1 is contracted, the working fluid flows
from the third pressure chamber C1 through the restrictor 44c, the
shutoff valve 43c, and the pressure control valve 47a back to the
working fluid tank 9 as indicated by the arrow XII in FIG. 8.
When the depressurization mode of the depressurizing device C is
completed while the suction mode of the depressurizing device B is
being continued in a second stage of operation shown in FIG. 9
which follows the first stage of operation shown in FIG. 8, the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device C is
detected by the depressurization-position limit switch SD. Based on
a signal from the depressurization-position limit switch SD, the
shutoff valve 43c is closed and the shutoff valves 12c, 41c are
opened, bringing the depressurizing device C into the discharge
mode. While the depressurizing device B is operating continuously
in the suction mode, therefore, the working fluid principally from
the pump 30 is supplied through the shutoff valve 41c to the third
pressure chamber C1, for thereby discharging the liquid material X
that has been drawn and depressurized in the fourth pressure
chamber C2 to the product tank 6.
Then, when the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing
device C is detected by the corresponding discharge-position limit
switch SA in a third stage of operation shown in FIG. 10 which
follows the second stage of operation shown in FIG. 9, the shutoff
valves 12c, 41c are closed and thereafter the shutoff valve 42c is
opened to switch the depressurizing device C into the
pressurization mode. Specifically, the working fluid discharged
from the third pressure chamber B1 is supplied through the shutoff
valves 42b, 42c into the third pressure chamber C1 as indicated by
the arrow XIII while the working fluid is being maintained under
substantially the same pressure. The working fluid thus supplied to
the third pressure chamber C1 pressurizes the third pressure
chamber C1 and also the fourth pressure chamber C2, imposing a back
pressure on the pistons 23, 24 of the depressurizing device C to
place the depressurizing device C into readiness for the suction
mode, i.e., to operate the depressurizing device C in the
pressurization mode. The end of the pressurization mode may be
recognized when a pressurization-position limit switch SE detects
the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device C. The
end of the discharge mode or the pressurization mode may also be
detected by pressure detectors connected to the pipes connected to
the larger-diameter cylinders 21 when the pressure detectors detect
a predetermined pressure buildup therein. The pressurization mode
can thus be carried out by effectively utilizing the high pressure
of the liquid material X.
Upon detection by the suction-position limit switch SC of the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device B and also
upon detection by the pressurization-position limit switch SE of
the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device C, the
shutoff valves 42b, 42c are closed and the shutoff valve 11b is
closed in a fourth stage of operation shown in FIG. 11 which
follows the third stage of operation shown in FIG. 10. In the
fourth stage of operation shown in FIG. 11, the depressurizing
device B ends the suction mode and is able to start the
depressurization mode, and the depressurizing device C ends the
pressurization mode and is able to start the suction mode. With the
shutoff valves 41b, 41c, 42b, 42c, 43b, 43c closed, the working
fluid from the pump 30 returns through the pressure control valve
47a to the working fluid tank 9.
Thereafter, the depressurizing device B starts the depressurization
mode because the fourth pressure chamber B2 is filled up with the
liquid material X, and the depressurizing device C starts the
suction mode with its fourth pressure chamber C2 because it has
carried out the pressurization mode.
Subsequently, substantially the same operation as described above
is repeated by the depressurizing device B which operates in the
same manner as the depressurizing device C described above, and the
depressurizing device C which operates in the same manner as the
depressurizing device B described above. When the above operation
is repeated twice, one cycle of operation is finished. In this
manner, as shown in FIGS. 8 through 11, the depressurizing devices
C, B in the discharge mode are supplied with the working fluid from
at least one of the depressurizing devices B, C in the suction mode
and the pump 30, the working fluid from the depressurizing devices
B, C in the depressurization mode returns to the working fluid tank
9, and the depressurizing devices C, B in the pressurization mode
are supplied with the working fluid directly from the
depressurizing devices B, C in the mode, so that the suction modes
can successively be carried out.
FIGS. 12 through 15 show a central portion of an apparatus for
processing a high-pressure liquid material according to a third
embodiment of the present invention. Those parts shown in FIGS. 12
through 15 which are identical to those parts shown in FIGS. 8
through 11 are denoted by identical reference numerals, and will
not be described in detail below. In the third embodiment, the
depressurizing means 10 comprises two depressurizing devices B, C,
the working fluid control system 7 is identical to a portion of the
working fluid control system 7 shown in FIG. 6, and the
depressurizing device A and the shutoff valves 11a, 12a, 41a, 42a,
43a associated therewith are dispensed with. A side of the working
fluid control system 7 which is lower in pressure than the pressure
control valve PV is open directly into the working fluid tank 9,
and a side of the working fluid control system 7 which is higher in
pressure than the pressure control valve PV is connected through a
shutoff valve 61 to a low-pressure side of the working fluid
control system 7, i.e., a side of the working fluid control system
7 to which the pressure from the pump 30 is directly applied. A
flow control valve 60 is capable of supplying the working fluid
from the working fluid tank 9 with the pump 30 at a constant rate
selectively to the third pressure chambers B1, C1, for thereby
causing the depressurizing devices B, C to discharge the liquid
material X in the discharge mode. The apparatus according to the
third embodiment resides particularly in that the depressurizing
means 10 comprises two depressurizing devices B, C for carrying out
discharge modes successively.
The pump 30 is actuated at all times to apply a constant pressure
to the low-pressure side of the working fluid control system 7 for
delivering the working fluid under a low pressure at a constant
rate through the flow control valve 60 to the depressurizing
devices B, C in the discharge mode. The working fluid control
system 7 according to the third embodiment also has a pump 31
dedicated for use in the pressurization mode. The pump 31 is
capable of supplying the working fluid from the working fluid tank
9 selectively through flow control valves 49b, 49c to the third
pressure chambers B1, C1 by duly opening or closing shutoff valves
33b, 33c. A pressure control valve 48 serves to control the
pressure of the working fluid which is delivered to shutoff valves
33b, 33c connected respectively to the flow control valves 49b, 49c
by the pump 31.
The discharge modes are carried out successively by the apparatus
according to the third embodiment as follows:
It is assumed that in a first stage of operation shown in FIG. 12,
the fourth pressure chamber B2 of the depressurizing device B has
finished the discharge mode and is about to start the
pressurization mode, and the fourth pressure chamber C2 of the
depressurizing device C has finished the depressurization mode and
is about to start the discharge mode. Only the shutoff valves 12c,
41c, 33b, shown blank in FIG. 12, are opened, and the third
pressure chamber B1 of the depressurizing device B which is in the
pressurization mode is supplied with the working fluid from the
working fluid 9 through the flow control valve 49b by the pump 31.
At this time, the working fluid from the working fluid tank 9 flows
as indicated by the arrow XIV in FIG. 12, advancing the pistons 23,
24 of the depressurizing device B. The end of the pressurization
mode may be recognized when the pressurization-position limit
switch SE detects the larger-diameter piston 23 of the pressurizing
device B. The end of the pressurization mode may also be detected
by pressure detectors connected to the pipes connected to the
larger-diameter cylinders 21 when the pressure detectors detect a
predetermined pressure buildup therein. The third pressure chamber
C1 of the depressurizing device C which is in the discharge mode is
supplied with the working fluid from the working fluid tank 9 at a
given rate through the flow control valve 60 and the shutoff valve
41c by the pump 30, causing the liquid material X to be discharged
from the fourth pressure chamber C2 through the shutoff valve 12c
to the product tank 6.
When the pressurization mode of the depressurizing device B is
completed while the discharge mode of the depressurizing device C
is being continued in a second stage of operation shown in FIG. 13
which follows the first stage of operation shown in FIG. 12, the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device B is
detected by the pressurization-position limit switch SE. Based on a
signal from the pressurization-position limit switch SE, the
shutoff valve 33b is closed and the shutoff valves 11b, 42b are
opened, bringing the depressurizing device B into the suction mode.
The end of the pressurization mode may also be detected by pressure
detectors connected to the pipes connected to the larger-diameter
cylinders 21 when the pressure detectors detect a predetermined
pressure buildup therein. While the depressurizing device C is
operating continuously in the discharge mode, therefore, the
working fluid flows from the third pressure chamber B1 of the
depressurizing device B in the suction mode back to the working
fluid tank 9 while being subjected to pressure control by the
pressure control valve PV. With the shutoff valve 33b closed, the
working fluid delivered by the pump 31 flows through the pressure
control valve 48 back to the working fluid tank 9. When the shutoff
valve 61 is opened during the suction mode of the depressurizing
device B, the working fluid in the third pressure chamber B1 can be
supplied through the flow control valve 60 and the shutoff valve
41c to the third pressure chamber C1 which is being in the
discharge mode. The depressurizing device C can thus efficiently
carry out the discharge mode.
Then, when the larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing
device B is detected by the corresponding suction-position limit
switch SC in a third stage of operation shown in FIG. 14 which
follows the second stage of operation shown in FIG. 13, the shutoff
valves 11b, 41b are closed and thereafter the shutoff valve 43b is
opened to switch the depressurizing device B into the
depressurization mode. The liquid material X in the fourth pressure
chamber B2 is expanded in volume and depressurized, contracting the
third pressure chamber B1. As the third pressure chamber B1 is
contracted, the working fluid discharged from the third pressure
chamber B1 flows through the restrictor 44b, the shutoff valve 43b,
and the pressure control valve 47a back to the working fluid tank 9
as indicated by the arrow XV. The end of the depressurization mode
of the depressurizing device B may be recognized when the
depressurization-position limit switch SD detects the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the pressurizing device B. The end of
the depressurization mode may also be detected by pressure
detectors connected to the pipes connected to the larger-diameter
cylinders 21 when the pressure detectors detect a predetermined
pressure buildup therein.
Upon detection by the discharge-position limit switch SA of the
larger-diameter piston 23 of the depressurizing device C, the
shutoff valves 12c, 41c are closed and thereafter the shutoff valve
33c is opened in a fourth stage of operation shown in FIG. 15 which
follows the third stage of operation shown in FIG. 14. In the
fourth stage of operation shown in FIG. 15, the working fluid in
the working fluid tank 9 is supplied through the shutoff valve 33c
and the flow control valve 49c to the third pressure chamber C1 by
the pump 31 as indicated by the arrow XVI in FIG. 15, bringing the
depressurizing device C into the pressurization mode. The working
fluid thus supplied to the third pressure chamber C1 pressurizes
the third pressure chamber C1 and also the fourth pressure chamber
C2, imposing a back pressure on the pistons 23, 24 of the
pressurizing device C to place the pressurizing device C into
readiness for the suction mode. The end of the pressurization mode
may be recognized when the pressurization-position limit switch SE
detects the larger-diameter piston 23 of the pressurizing device C.
The end of the pressurization mode may also be detected by pressure
detectors connected to the pipes connected to the larger-diameter
cylinders 21 when the pressure detectors detect a predetermined
pressure buildup therein. The pressurization mode can thus be
carried out by the pump 31, without utilizing the high pressure of
the liquid material X.
Thereafter, the depressurizing device B starts the discharge mode
because the liquid material X in the fourth pressure chamber B2 has
been depressurized, and the depressurizing device C starts the
suction mode because the fourth pressure chamber C2 is in the
pressurization mode.
Subsequently, substantially the same operation as described above
is repeated by the depressurizing device B which operates in the
same manner as the depressrizing device C described above, and the
depressurizing device C which operates in the same manner as the
depressrizing device B described above. When the above operation is
repeated twice, one cycle of operation is finished. In this manner,
as shown in FIGS. 12 through 15, the depressurizing devices C, B in
the discharge mode are supplied with the working fluid from at
least one of the depressurizing devices B, C in the suction mode
and the pump 30, and the working fluid from the depressurizing
devices B, C in the depressurization mode returns to the working
fluid tank 9, in the same manner as with the second embodiment. The
depressurizing devices C, B in the pressurization mode are supplied
with the working fluid under a relatively high pressure by the
dedicated pump 31, so that the discharge modes can successively be
carried out.
The apparatus for processing a high-pressure liquid material
according to the present invention and methods carried out by the
apparatus offer the following advantages:
(1) The depressurizing means comprises a plurality of individually
operable depressurizing devices each comprising a pressure
intensifier in the form of a cylinder assembly having a processing
pressure chamber for selectively receiving a liquid material
supplied under a high pressure from a high-pressure vessel and a
working pressure chamber for receiving a working fluid. The
depressurizing means is relatively short and requires a reduced
space for installation, and a high degree of freedom or flexibility
is given to the layout of the working pressure chambers and the
individual volumes of and pressures in the working pressure
chambers while in operation. Therefore, times required for the
depressurizing devices to draw, depressurize, and discharge the
liquid material in suction, depressurization, and discharge modes
can be adjusted depending on the type of the liquid material, so
that the apparatus can operate highly flexibly.
(2) Because the working fluid flows directly between the working
pressure chambers for operating the depressurizing devices in the
discharge mode, the working fluid discharged from the
depressurizing devices in the suction or depressurization mode can
effectively be utilized for the
discharge mode. As a result, the energy of the working fluid can
effectively be utilized and saved.
(3) Furthermore, since a pressurization mode is effected prior to
the suction mode to apply, to the working pressure chambers, a back
pressure which substantially counterbalances the high pressure of
the liquid material supplied from the high-pressure chamber, no
undue pressure shock is applied to pipes and various valves, and
hence the durability of these components remains high.
Although there have been described what are at present considered
to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be
understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof.
The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all
respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description.
* * * * *